Kruger National Park

History of the Kruger National Park

As the flagship of SaN Parks, Kruger National Park established in 1898 by President Paul Kruger as the Sabie Game Reserve, was the beginning of animal conservation in South Africa and in 1902, Colonel Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed head ranger of the Sabie Game Reserve. He was given the name Skukuza that means “He who sweeps clean” and today the main camp boasts this name. Skukuza is situated along the bank of the Sabie River and functions as the park’s administrative and operational headquarters. The size of the park is 2000 000 hectares (19 685 square Km). Also known as San Parks, short for South African National Parks.

Welcome to the Kruger. This is the most beautiful, fascinating and largest national park in the world and a safari destination not to be missed when visiting sunny South Africa – Join us on a private day tour or family tour to Kruger park and experience nature at its best. With years of experience, we have a passion for the wild life in Southern Africa and have been providing touring itineraries to all camps on day tours, 3 day, 5 day, 7 day or longer package tours and we include the Panorama route. From lodge & chalet accommodation, to camping or a 4 * 4 experience in the Kruger bush, we will show you the animals of Kruger national park in coach tours or smaller groups for a Kruger tour to remember.

San Parks

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Accommodation

Kruger Park Accommodations are chalets or commonly called “Rondawel” and are mostly self- catering units although there is accommodation that cater for sleeping only and could be a small hut or tented accommodation. Air-conditioning is provided in most units as well as “Braai” facilities for those that wish to eat the South African way. The Kruger park accommodations are 3 star quality and one must remember that some camps are vintage although units are being upgraded and that some accommodation can remind one of boarding school days. Most of these units have their own bathroom facilities. Lately quire a few camps accommodation are excellent due to the upgrading.

Berg & Dal camp chalet

For the tented accommodation, shared ablution facilities are available and these are kept clean and are quite modern. For those that want to enjoy being very close to the bush, camping facilities are available at most camps and some like Balule & Maroela are camping facilities only. Ablution facilities are available and kept clean. There are electrified camping & standard camping spots with braai facility. All camps are electrically fenced to keep the animals out but smaller animals can be found in the camps. Family units are available, some with river views and these units are very popular and bookings must be at least one year in advance.

Skukuza Chalet

Basic Accommodation Types

Camping

Sites for caravans or tents – most have power (except Balule and some at Punda Maria). Sites at lower Sabie have designated boundaries and own water taps.

Hut

Single room units with communal kitchen and communal ablution facilities.

Safari Tent

Permanent canvas tent bedrooms on permanent platforms. Some have communal kitchen and communal ablution facilities, while others are fully equipped and have more luxurious trimmings.

Satara camp chalet

Bungalow

Single bedroom units with a bathroom. Some have communal kitchens while others have own kitchenettes with basic kitchen equipment. Some bungalows have perimeter or river views, while others have been upgraded to luxury status.

Skukuza Rondawel

Guest Cottage

Multiple bedroom units with at least 2 bathrooms of which one is en-suite. Fully equipped kitchen.

Guest House

Multiple bedroom and bathroom units with lounge area and often with bar facility and exclusive view.

Luxury Lodges

These exclusive private lodges, with a unique style and atmosphere form part of a suite of products known as SANParks “Golden Kudus”, where luxury is the order of the day.

Lodge comfort

Cottage

Single bedroom units with living room, bathroom and kitchen.

Family Cottage

Multiple bedroom units with a living room, bathroom and kitchen.

Lodge comfort in the bush

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SAN PARKS

South Africa boasts beautiful national parks and provide the same service and accommodation as the Kruger. We have found that some of the parks in other provinces are even better then the Kruger.

Kgalagadi Lion

Parks we visit frequently

Kgalagadi

Addo Elephant

Hluhluwe

West Coast

Pilanesberg

Kruger road information sign

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Kruger Park central and south

Start Date: In May

End Date: In May

Duration:3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days. We adjust the days you wish to visit Kruger Park. Below is a 7 day trip.

Costs: On request

Please Note: Dates can be changed to fit your time schedule. We can arrange for you to fly in & out. Minimum 4 people per trip. The Panorama route can be included in this trip.

Black shouldered kite

This trip is designed to visit the most popular region of Kruger Park, which is the central and southern part of the Park. The weather in the low veld will be much more pleasant during May. It will be nice and warm, and not as hot and humid during the summer months. This trip includes 3 meals per day- breakfast, light lunch and dinner. Please keep in mind that Kruger Park is within a malaria area, and appropriate prevention is advised. Guests should consult a doctor.

Day 1: Distance for day: 520 km

As it is a long day ahead of us, we depart early morning from Johannesburg to avoid any peak hour traffic. We will enjoy a brunch on the way to Kruger Park. We will travel on the N4 via Nelspruit and then to White River and Hazyview. We will enter the Kruger Park at Phabeni Gate. Upon entering the park we start with the first day of game viewing towards the Skukuza Rest Camp, where we will check in for the first three night’s stay. Relax in the camp until it is time for dinner. Dinners for the whole trip will either be prepared by your host, or taken at the restaurant.

Day 2 & 3: Distance for day: 150 km

Kruger Buffalo

We will do various drives from the camp, enjoying breakfasts and lunches at either picnic spots, or at some of the surrounding camp’s restaurants. Enjoy coffee and rusks before departing on the game viewing for the day. The area around Skukuza is rich with variety of game, so the days are set out to explore the area. We will do various drives from the camp, enjoying breakfasts and lunches at either picnic spots, or some of the surrounding camp’s restaurants. It will be two full days of game viewing in the areas, with time also set out for relaxing. Guests can visit the Steven Hamilton Memorial Library, to view the photo exhibition, and other interesting displays and books depicting the history and conservation focus of the park. Also enjoy a boardwalk walk alongside the Sabi River.

Day 4: Distance for day: 150 km

Early morning wake up with coffee and rusks. We check out of the chalets for the day’s travel to the next rest camp. We start with viewing the area surrounding Skukuza and then continue towards Satara Rest Camp. We will stop at Tshokwane Picnic Spot to enjoy a lovely brunch. On arrival, we will check into the chalets for the last three nights stay in the park.

Day 5 & 6: Distances for the day: 150 km

The area around Satara is rich with variety of game, so the days are set out to explore the area. We will do various drives from the camp, enjoying breakfasts and lunches at either picnic spots, or at some of the surrounding camp’s restaurants. It will be two full days of game viewing in the area, with time also set out for relaxing. Should any guest be interested in a game drive (morning or evening) on an open vehicle, it can be done (own account).

Kruger Lioness

Day 7: Distance for day: 600 km

Today it’s time to leave this beautiful place towards home. We drive towards the Orpen Gate, where we exit the park. Enjoy breakfast in Hoedspruit. We return via Lydenburg and Dullstroom. Lunch either at Dullstroom or at Alzu and arrive home during the late afternoon.

Included

Accommodation

Breakfast

Light lunch

Dinner

Vehicle and Tourist guide fee

Entrance /conservation fees

Pick up and drop off at your home in Johannesburg area

Excluded

Drinks

Gratuities

Laundry

Telephone calls

Curios

Personal items

Any extra activities that is not on this Itinerary.

Kruger elephant

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Kruger Park central and north

Start Date: In June

End Date: In June

Duration: 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days. We adjust the days you wish to visit Kruger Park. Below is a 7 day trip.

Costs: On request

Please Note: Dates can be changed to fit your time schedule. We can arrange for you to fly in & out. Minimum 4 people per trip.

Open game drive vehicle

This trip is designed to visit the central part of Kruger Park. During June this part of the park is nice and warm and not hot and humid as during the summer. The park will be dryer and well grazed to ensure better viewing in the park. This trip includes 3 meals per day- breakfast, light lunch + dinner. Please keep in mind that Kruger Park is within a malaria area, and appropriate prevention is advised. Guests should consult a doctor.

Day 1: Distance for day: 600 km As it is a long day ahead of us, we depart early morning from Johannesburg to avoid any peak hour traffic. At either Belfast or Dullstroom we will stop for breakfast. This is also where we will turn away from the N4 route, towards Lydenburg where we will again have a convenience stop. We then continue through the picturesque Schoemanskloof valley, before crossing over the mountain towards Hoedspruit, where we will enjoy lunch. After lunch, it is another 40 minute drive before we reach the Orpen Gate where we enter the Kruger Park. Upon entering the park we start with the first day of game viewing towards the Satara Rest Camp, where we will check in for the first three night’s stay. Relax in the camp until it is time for dinner. Dinners for the whole trip will either be prepared by your host, or taken at the restaurant.

Day 2 and 3: Distances for the day: 200 km

The area around Letaba is rich with variety of game, so the days are set out to explore the area. We will do various drives from the camp, enjoying breakfasts and lunches at either picnic spots, or at some of the surrounding camp’s restaurants. It will be two full days of game viewing in the area, with time also set out for relaxing. Should any guest be interested in a game drive (morning or evening) on an open vehicle, it can be done. (own account)

Day 4/ 5 / 6: Distance for day: 150 km

We depart from Letaba camp in northerly direction towards Skukuza Rest camp. We will arrive there in the afternoon and check in for 3 night stay.The area around Skukuza is well known for the variety of game so the 2 days are set out to explore the area and visit lake panic bird hide . We will do various drives from the camp, enjoying breakfasts and lunches at either picnic spots or at surrounding camp restaurants .It will be two full days of game viewing in the areas,with time also set out for relaxing

Dinner either prepared by your host or taken at the restaurant.

Elephant

Day 7: Distance for day: 500 km

It’s homeward bound today, and we will travel via the scenic Magoebaskloof pass toward Polokwane. Then we follow the N1 route back towards Johannesburg, and arrive home in the mid afternoon.

Included

Accommodation

Breakfast

Light lunch

Dinner

Vehicle and Tourist guide fee

Entrance /conservation fees

Pick up and drop off at your home in Johannesburg area

Excluded

Drinks

Gratuities

Laundry

Telephone calls

Curios

Personal items

Any extra activities that is not on this Itinerary.

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Kaapschehoop and Kruger Park

Start Date: In July

End Date: In August

Duration: 7 days

Costs: On request

Please Note: Dates can be changed to fit your time schedule. The cost for international tourists will be more due to entrance fee costs. We can arrange for you to fly in & out. Minimum 4 people per trip.

Kaapsehoop

Kaapschehoop

Early departure from Johannesburg via the N4 to the Mpumalanga Province passing through towns such Witbank (eMahlahleni), Nelspruit (Mbombela) Near Nelspruit, we visit the small village known as “KaapscheHoop” and look for the wild horses that were left either by the Boer or English forces during the Anglo Boer War. Kaapschehoop is one of the two places in South Africa that has wild horses;the other is in Kleinmond in the Cape.Kaapsche Hoop is also home to the Blue Swallows – Blue swallows are extremely rare in South Africa, with only 131 birds being found during the 2005 bird census, during this census only 34 birds were found in Mpumalanga, mostly at Kaapsche Hoop, Sabie and Graskop. Afternoon at leisure to explore Kaapsche Hoop.

Day 2 –180km

Enjoy breakfast and then depart for Kruger Park at 08h00 via Nelspruit and Malelane.Enter Kruger Park via Crocodile Bridge on our way to Skukuza camp

Lunch at Lower Sabie

Traveling along the river’s edge towards Skukuza we should see the animals coming down to the water to drink. Stopping at Sunset dam on our way.

Overnight and Dinner will be at the Skukuza Camp Restaurant

Kruger Elephant

Day 3 – 50km

Today we can enjoy an early morning game drive before we return to camp for breakfast.

Explore Skukuza camp, visit the Museum and then depart for more game viewing. We will visit Lake Panic and have some time in the Hide before we return to camp in the late afternoon. Overnight in Skukuza with a lovely Bush Braai

Day 4 – 160km

Depart after breakfast to Hazyview for a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary where we will have a very interesting tour and interaction with the Elephants

After lunch we drive to Hoedspruit where we will spend the next 3 nights

Dinner and overnight in Hoedspruit at Timbavati chalets

Blyde River Canyon

Day 5 – 80km

After breakfast we visit Kapama Cheetah Project and tour of the Cheetah’s, the rare King Cheetah and wild dogs.Lunch at Kapama.

Relax for the rest of the afternoon Dinner and overnight at Timbavati chalets

Day 6 – 100km

After breakfast, we depart for our visit with Jessica the Hippo. Enjoy meeting this friendly Hippo up close.

After Jessica we depart for 2 hours of the most stunning views and landscapes of the Blyde River Canyon seeing the very rare living “Kadishi Tufa” waterfall (2nd tallest tufa waterfall), game, plants and birds Late afternoon / evening game drive in an open safari vehicle with a game ranger. (optional extra, own account)

Overnight and dinner at Timbavati chalets

Day7 – 500km

Breakfast in Hoedspruit and depart for Johannesburg via the Blyde River Canyon, Potholes, Gods Window, Graskop, we return to Johannesburg.

Lunch on route.

Arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon

Included

Accommodation

Breakfast

Light lunch

Dinner

Vehicle and Tourist guide fee

Entrance /conservation fees

Pick up and drop off at your home in Johannesburg area

Excluded

Drinks

Gratuities

Laundry

Telephone calls

Curios

Personal items

Any extra activities that is not on this Itinerary.

Beautiful sunsets

The focus of the Kruger National Park tour is animal viewing and some scenery on the Panorama route so this is a real safari adventure for our animal & nature lovers. This is a tour to experience Kruger camps and a game lodge. Prepare to be spoiled rotten. Photo opportunities are excellent on this trip that is also a bird viewers dream.

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Day 1

Kruger camp’s of the Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park African Wildcat

Pick up as early as possible for the Kruger National Park tour from your Hotel or from the ORT Airport. The driving time to Kruger is +- 5 hours.

Option 1

Drive to Kruger Park and on route visit the Blyde River Canyon and God’s window.

Option 2

Fly to either Nelspruit or directly to Skukuza

If you flight arrives after 12h00 we will have to arrange overnight either on route to the Kruger or in Johannesburg. Kruger gates closes at 06h00 and no entry allowed after that. Once we arrive at one of the Kruger Gates our game viewing will start until we reach our camp.

Dinner and overnight at one of the camps in Kruger. The camp will depends on availability once we do the bookings. Good camps to stay over is Satara, Letaba and Lower Sabie camps.

Wake up call bright and early for your morning game drive in an air conditioned vehicle. Returning to camp around 09h00 for breakfast. Relax for the rest of the day OR enjoy an optional bush walk (own account). After lunch, explore your camp until you depart late afternoon for your evening game drive.

Overnight at one of the Kruger camps again. Enjoy either a local BBQ (Braai) prepared by your guide or enjoy dinner at the restaurant

Kruger National Park lion kill

Day 3

Game lodge experience

Wake up enjoy breakfast and pack up to depart for your lodge experience. Game viewing all the way the Kruger Gate where we exit. Depending which lodge we will have to drive around and enter at another gate to Kruger. On arrival at your lodge enjoy lunch and more relaxing until you depart late afternoon for your evening open vehicle game drive.

Wake up calls are early. Enjoy tea and coffee before you depart for your morning game drive. Returning to camp around 08h30 for breakfast. Relax for the rest of the day OR enjoy an optional bush walk. Lunch around 13h30 and high tea later in the afternoon before you depart for your evening open vehicle game drive. Overnight at the Lodge with dinner in the boma.

Day 7

Wake up call bright and early for your last morning game drive in an open vehicle. After breakfast depart either for the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg OR depart by road back to Johannesburg for your flight home.